Anthony Pyne

Head coach Carla Ward, left, and Katie McCabe during a Republic of Ireland women media conference at the Aviva Stadium

Ireland 'won't park bus' as they gear up for Belgians

Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward insists her side "won't just park the bus" as they look to upset a strong Belgian outfit in the first leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off at Aviva Stadium on Friday night.

Soccer • 23 Oct 25

Caitlin Hayes of Republic of Ireland after the women's international friendly match between the USA and Republic of Ireland at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Hayes back in groove after difficult split with Celtic

Caitlin Hayes has opened up about the difficulties she endured last winter after leaving her beloved Celtic to join Brighton and Hove Albion.

Soccer • 23 Oct 25

Jess Ziu poses for a portrait during a Republic of Ireland women media day at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown

Ziu sees light after overcoming second ACL nightmare

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jess Ziu says her second ACL injury in three years changed her perspective on life, and allowed her to appreciate the things outside football.

Soccer • 22 Oct 25

Kelly Brady of Athlone Town celebrates with the cup after the 2025 Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup Final match between Athlone Town and Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin

Ward praise for Brady but striker will need patience

Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward has talked up the qualities of Athlone Town striker Kelly Brady, but confirmed the 23-year-old won't be squeezing her way into the picture for the Nations League promotion/relegation play-off against Belgium.

Soccer • 21 Oct 25

Head coach Carla Ward speaking to media during a Republic of Ireland women media day at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin.

Ward admits 'outside noise' around FAI a distraction

Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward has admitted "outside noise" around the FAI has been a source of frustration since she took the reins last January.

Soccer • 20 Oct 25

Jamie Finn poses for a portrait during a Republic of Ireland women media day at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin

Finn finds deep inner resilience to return to big stage

Jamie Finn is back in the Republic of Ireland squad, 20 months after suffering a cruel ACL injury that tested her resilience to the absolute max.

Soccer • 21 Oct 25

Athlone Town investor Nick Giannotti celebrates after the 2025 Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup Final match between Athlone Town and Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin

Athlone owner Giannotti confident more glory days ahead

Athlone Town chairman Nick Giannotti says he's determined to sustain the "momentum" of the women's team after witnessing the Midlanders lift the Sports Direct FAI Cup to complete the double on Sunday.

Soccer • 20 Oct 25

Cup star Brady open to continuing her Athlone journey

Kelly Brady said she's open to staying at Athlone Town next year after firing in a dream FAI Cup final hat-trick to sink Bohemians on Sunday.

Soccer • 19 Oct 25

Athlone Town manager John Sullivan celebrates with the FAI Cup after the 2025 Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup Final match between Athlone Town and Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

Sullivan's zen-like approach pays dividends for Athlone

Athlone Town boss John Sullivan took a trip to a playzone with his young son to ease any pre-FAI Cup final nerves, his zen approach to the big occasion clearly rubbing off on his all-conquering side.

Soccer • 20 Oct 25

Kelly Brady of Athlone Town celebrates after scoring her, and her side's, third goal during the 2025 Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup Final match between Athlone Town and Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

Brady fires hat-trick as Athlone complete the double

Athlone Town wrapped up the double as a Kelly Brady hat-trick fired them to a 3-2 win against Bohemians in an absorbing Sports Direct FAI Cup final on Sunday afternoon.

Soccer • 20 Oct 25